Besides helping you pick out clothing, giving you the chance to hone your spider-killing skills and occasionally baking you cookies there are loads of other things your platonic female friends are good for. One of the best examples is their ability to help you with your love life. But they can't just wave a magic wand and have a trio of Swedish cheerleaders drop in your lap. No, it's a far more subtle magic they work.

Say you're out and about with your female friend. You're talking and laughing and other women happen to see that. They're seeing that you can easily get along with women because they find you desirable to be around. The ladies are also drawn to men who are taken, so just by being in the company of a woman helps you become more appealing. The only thing that can top that is if you have on a wedding ring.

Although this brings to mind visions of pig-tailed waitresses bringing on endless, steaming platters of chicken wings, what I'm talking about is a lot closer to a Top Gun reference. Having your friend at your side and willing to help will net you a wealth of interesting information that only women can tell you about your surroundings, the females in the room and the way you come off and are put together. Think about it like Neo actually seeing the Matrix for the first time.

Talking about yourself in flattering ways doesn't have a fraction of the effect it has when someone else does it for you. In fact, it could even work against you. When you have a friend (especially one of the opposite sex) telling other women how awesome you are or telling cool stories about you, it can make a real difference.

Sometimes all you need is a little confidence boost from a caring friend of the female persuasion. This can come in the form of complimenting you, giving you empowering advice, relaying some insider information you should know about or just being understanding.

Then there are times that you're riding high on false confidence, hollow aspirations or misinformation. Sometimes the female perspective is exactly what you need to get a firm grasp on reality and adjust your goals, expectations or attitude.

Ahhhhh, the friend of the friend introduction. This works as long as she has at least one acquaintance, friend or co-worker that isn't a psycho-stalker, marriaged up or a stone cold lesbian.

Sometimes you like to hang out with crazy chicks, right? These are the ones you'd never seriously date, let alone bring home to mom and dad. These girls play an important role, though, in showing you who to stay away from. Learn well and dodge those bullets.

What if your female friend is the one you wanted all along? Though difficult, you can get out of the friend zone. It just takes time, patience and an attitude adjustment. Go for it. Just be forewarned that many a friendship has been ruined this way.